ESOCS Devotional 22 March 2022
TEXT: JOSHUA 1:1-18
MEMORY VERSE: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Joshua’s command to lead Israel was not based on his personal ambitions. His leadership was certified by God who commissioned him to lead Israel in her efforts to take the land. But there were conditions: he must recognize, and do all that is written in the law, he must meditate on it and he must be strong. Our concern here is the first condition – to recognize and do all that is written in the law. The law here was the writings of Moses that the Jews referred to as the Torah. Obedience to the law was the condition for the continued existence of the nation of Israel.
Why should Joshua comply with this command? Joshua’s new job consisted of leading more than two million people into a strange new land and conquering it. The nation Israel must conquer, possess, settle and prosper in the Promised Land. Without God, it could be difficult, but with Him, it could be a great adventure (Genesis 18:14a). Doing according to the law shows obedience to God, relying on God to lead while he followed. So, God’s leaders make a special effort to think on God’s word every day. Their minds must not be so busied with the things of the world that they do not have time to think on God’s word.
Many people think prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts.
It comes from obeying God’s word, constantly studying the word of God and following its teachings. God’s definition of success and standard is more important than the world’s.
- What is your own definition of success and prosperity for a child of God?
- Ask God to help you observe and apply His word in your daily pursuit.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Psalm 1
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ESOCS Devotional 22 March 2022
